Print control method for performing print process according to print data, storage medium storing print control program, and information processing apparatus controlling image forming apparatus to perform print process

ABSTRACT

A print control method that is capable of canceling the unprintable state without troubling a user. An image forming apparatus performs a print process according to print data transmitted from an information processing apparatus by the print control method. An anomaly detection step detects anomaly in a print related process, which is relevant to the print process, under execution by the information processing apparatus. A state shifting step stops the print process under execution by the image forming apparatus, and makes the image forming apparatus shift to a printable state for preparing a new print process that is different from the print process that the image forming apparatus is executing when anomaly is detected in the print related process. A reboot step reboots the information processing apparatus in response to the shift of the image forming apparatus to the printable state.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a print control method that performs aprint process according to print data, a storage medium storing a printcontrol program, and an information processing apparatus controlling animage forming apparatus to perform a print process.

Description of the Related Art

There is a known print system that performs a print process according toprint data transmitted from a client PC etc. In the print system, a DFE(Digital Front End) as an information processing apparatus receives theprint data from a client PC etc., converts the received print data intoraster image data that is readable by an MFP (Multi-FunctionalPeripheral) as an image forming apparatus, and transmits the rasterimage data concerned to the MFP. The MFP prints on the basis of thereceived raster image data (hereinafter referred to as “received dataprinting”, see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No.H9-237026 (JP H9-237026A), for example). Moreover, the MFP is able toprint according to an operation through an operation unit of the MFP(hereinafter referred to as “local printing”) in addition to thereceived data printing.

Incidentally, in the print system, a transmission error occurs when atransmitting process of raster image data from the DFE to the MFP is notcompleted until predetermined time elapses from start of thetransmitting process. When the transmission error occurs in the printsystem, the MFP goes into a state where neither the received dataprinting nor the local printing can be performed (hereinafter referredto as an “unprintable state”). In this case, a user needs to reboot notonly the MFP that goes into the unprintable state but also the DFE thattransmits the raster image data.

However, it is necessary to perform the reboot processes of the MFP andthe DFE individually. Accordingly, a user will spend time and effortmore than needed about dissolution of the unprintable state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a print control method, a storage mediumstoring a print control program, and an information processingapparatus, which are capable of canceling the unprintable state withouttroubling a user.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a printcontrol method by which an image forming apparatus performs a printprocess according to print data transmitted from an informationprocessing apparatus, the print control method including an anomalydetection step of detecting anomaly in a print related process, which isrelevant to the print process, under execution by the informationprocessing apparatus, a state shifting step of stopping the printprocess under execution by the image forming apparatus, and of makingthe image forming apparatus shift to a printable state for preparing anew print process that is different from the print process that theimage forming apparatus is executing when anomaly is detected in theprint related process, and a reboot step of rebooting the informationprocessing apparatus in response to the shift of the image formingapparatus to the printable state.

Accordingly, a second aspect of the present invention provides anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a controlprogram causing a computer to execute the print control method of thefirst aspect.

Accordingly, a third aspect of the present invention provides aninformation processing apparatus including a transmission unitconfigured to transmit print data used in a print process to an imageforming apparatus by executing a print related process that is relevantto the print process, and to make the image forming apparatus executethe print process according to the print data, an anomaly detection unitconfigured to detect anomaly in the print related process, a state shiftcontrol unit configured to stop the print process under execution by theimage forming apparatus, and to make the image forming apparatus shiftto a printable state for preparing a new print process that is differentfrom the print process that the image forming apparatus is executingwhen anomaly is detected in the print related process, and a reboot unitconfigured to reboot in response to the shift of the image formingapparatus to the printable state.

According to the present invention, an unprintable state can becanceled, without troubling a user.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a print system includinga DFE as an information processing apparatus according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of theDFE in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of anMFP in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration ofsoftware module of the DFE in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration ofsoftware module of the MFP in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a sequential chart showing procedures of a transfer processexecuted by the print system in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a sequential chart showing procedures of a transfer controlprocess executed by the print system in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are flowcharts showing procedures of a rebootprocess executed by the DFE in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing procedures of a state shifting processexecuted by the MFP in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a view of an example of an error screen displayed on the MFPin FIG. 1.

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are sequential charts showing procedures of afirst modification of the transfer control process in FIG. 6. FIG. 10Ashows a case where a restoration process succeeded, and FIG. 10B shows acase where the restoration process failed.

FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, and FIG. 11C are flowcharts showing procedures of afirst modification of the reboot process in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing procedures of a modification of the stateshifting process in FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a sequential chart showing procedures of a secondmodification of the transfer control process in FIG. 6.

FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, and FIG. 14C are flowcharts showing procedures of asecond modification of the reboot process in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereafter, embodiments according to the present invention will bedescribed in detail with reference to the drawings.

Although the embodiment describes the case where the present inventionis applied to an MFP as an image forming apparatus, the presentinvention is able to be applied to an apparatus other than the MFP. Thepresent invention may be applied to an image forming apparatus includingan SFP (Single Function Printer) and an LBP (Laser Beam Printer), forexample.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a print system 100including a DFE (Digital Front End) 102 as an information processingapparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the print system 100 has a client PC 101, the DFE102, and an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) 103. The client PC 101 andthe DFE 102 are connected through a network 104. The DFE 102 and the MFP103 are connected through a network 105.

The client PC 101 transmits print data, such as PDL data used by a printprocess, to the DFE 102. The DFE 102 performs a RIP (Raster ImageProcess) according to the received print data, generates image data,such as raster image data, that is readable by the MFP 103, andtransmits the image data and information about various settings(hereinafter referred to as “print setting information”) included in theimage data and print data to the MFP 103. The MFP 103 prints thereceived data according to the image data and the print settinginformation that have been received. Moreover, the MFP 103 performs alocal printing according to setting information set up by an operationthrough an operation panel (not shown) that is provided in the MFP 103.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of theDFE 102 in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the DFE 102 is provided with a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM203, HDD 204, display unit 205, video random access memory (VRAM) 206,operation unit 207, and compact disc drive (CDD) 208. Furthermore, theDFE 102 is provided with an external recording I/F 209 and network I/Fs210 and 211. The CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, HDD 204, video RAM 206,operation unit 207, CDD 208, external recording I/F 209, and networkI/Fs 210 and 211 are mutually connected through a system bus 212. Thedisplay unit 205 is connected to the VRAM 206.

The CPU 201 integrally controls the entire DFE 102. The ROM 202 storesvarious programs that will be executed by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is asa working area of the CPU 201, and is used as a temporary storage areafor various data. The HDD 204 stores various programs and various kindsof data. The display unit 205 displays a various types of images. TheVRAM 206 stores display image data for displaying a various types ofimages on the display unit 205. The operation unit 207 includes akeyboard, a mouse, etc. (not shown), and allows a user's operation toset the information about various settings in the DFE 102 through theoperation unit 207. The CDD 208 performs a process for reading andwriting data with various recording media, such as a CD-ROM and CD-R.The external recording I/F 209 performs data communication with anexternal storage medium, such as an USB memory. The network I/Fs 210 and211 perform data communication with various apparatuses that areconnected with the network 104 or 105. In the embodiment, the networkI/F 210 receives the print data from the client PC 101 connected to thenetwork 104. Moreover, the network I/F 211 transmits the variety ofinformation about the print process, such as image data and printsetting information, to the MFP 103 connected to the network 105.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of theMFP 103 in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 103 is provided with a CPU circuit unit 301,operation panel control unit 305, image signal control unit 306, printercontrol unit 307, sheet-feeding control unit 308, HDD I/F 309, HDD 310,and network I/F 311. The CPU circuit unit 301 is connected to thecomponents including the operation panel control unit 305, image signalcontrol unit 306, printer control unit 307, sheet-feeding control unit308, HDD I/F 309, and network I/F 311, respectively. The image signalcontrol unit 306 is connected to the printer control unit 307, and theHDD I/F 309 is connected to the HDD 310. The CPU circuit unit 301includes a CPU 302, ROM 303, and RAM 304.

The CPU circuit unit 201 integrally controls the MFP 103. The CPU 302controls the components that are connected to the CPU circuit unit 301by running the various programs stored in the ROM 303. The ROM 303stores the various programs that will be executed by the CPU 302. TheRAM 304 is used as a working area of the CPU 302 and a temporary storagearea for various data used by the CPU 302. In the embodiment, a part ofthe storage area of the RAM 304 is allocated to a primary buffer forstoring the image data transmitted from the DFE 102 during the printprocess, for example. The operation panel control unit 305 displays asetting menu for performing various settings of the MFP 103, variousnotices, etc. on a display unit (not shown) of the MFP 103. The imagesignal control unit 306 converts the image data etc. received from theDFE 102 into an image signal that is readable by the printer controlunit 307, and transmits the image signal concerned to the printercontrol unit 307. The printer control unit 307 prints an image on apaper sheet as a recording sheet according to the received image signal.The sheet-feeding control unit 308 conveys the paper sheet concernedfrom a sheet feeding unit (not shown) to the printer control unit 307.The HDD I/F unit 309 performs data communication with the HDD 310. TheHDD 310 is a large capacity storage device, and stores nonvolatile data.The network I/F 311 performs data communication with the DFE 102 that isconnected to the network 105.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram showing a configuration of software module401 of the DFE 102 in FIG. 1. FIG. 4B is a block diagram showing aconfiguration of software module 407 of the MFP 103 in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the software module 401 is provided with a jobcontrol module 402, RIP module 403, storage processing module 404,communication management module 405, and transmission/receptionprocessing module 406. Various processes of the software module 401 areperformed when the CPU 201 of the DFE 102 runs the various programsstored in the ROM 202.

The job control module 402 stores the print data transmitted from theclient PC 103 into the RAM 203. The RIP module 403 extracts the printsetting information from the print data stored in the RAM 203. Moreover,the RIP module 403 applies the raster image process to the print datastored in the RAM 203 to generate image data, and performs a transferprocess for transferring the generated image data to the MFP 103.Furthermore, the RIP unit 403 is able to restore anomaly in the transferprocess, when the anomaly is detected in the transfer process. Thestorage processing module 404 stores the generated image data and theprint setting information into the HDD 204. The communication managementmodule 405 manages the various notices about the various processesconcerning the print process of the MFP 103 to manage the sequence ofthe print process of the MFP 103, for example. Thetransmission/reception processing module 406 manages data communicationwith the client PC 101 and the MFP 103.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the software module 407 is provided with a devicecontrol module 408, storage processing module 409, print processingmodule 410, and transmission/reception processing module 411. Variousprocesses of the software module 407 are performed when the CPU 302 ofthe MFP 103 runs the various programs stored in the ROM 303.

The device control module 408 receives the print setting informationfrom the DFE 102, and stores the print setting information into the RAM304. Moreover, the device control module 408 analyzes the stored printsetting information, and instructs the storage processing module 409 toprepare to store image data (hereinafter referred to as a “storingpreparation instruction”). The storage processing module 409 allocates apart of the storage area of the RAM 304 to a primary buffer according tothe storing preparation instruction from the device control module 408.Moreover, the storage processing module 409 stores the image datareceived from the DFE 102 into the primary buffer of the RAM 304, andinstructs the print processing module 410 to print. The print processingmodule 410 reads the print setting information stored in the RAM 304 andthe image data stored in the primary buffer. Moreover, the printprocessing module 410 performs various types of print control. Forexample, the print processing module 410 controls the image signalcontrol unit 306, printer control unit 307, and sheet-feeding controlunit 308 so as to print according to the image data and print settinginformation. The transmission/reception processing module 411 controlsthe data communication with the DFE 102.

FIG. 5 is a sequential chart showing procedures of a transfer processexecuted by the print system 100 in FIG. 1.

The process in FIG. 5 is performed when the CPU 201 of the DFE 102 runsthe various programs stored in the ROM 202 and the CPU 302 of the MFP103 runs the various programs stored in the ROM 303.

As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 201 first obtains the print settinginformation that is extracted by the RIP module 403 using thecommunication management module 405 (step S501). The print settinginformation includes various types of information about the printprocess, such as a sheet size, the number of pages of printed matter,and the number of print copies. Next, the CPU 201 transmits the printsetting information concerned to the MFP 103 using the communicationmanagement module 405 (step S502).

When receiving the print setting information, the CPU 302 starts theprint process, and transmits a transmission request that requirestransmission of image data on the basis of the received print settinginformation to the DFE 102 using the print processing module 410 (stepS503). For example, when performing the print process for printed matterhaving a plurality of pages, the CPU 302 transmits the transmissionrequests corresponding to the image data of the respective pages to theDFE 102 using the print processing module 410. The DFE 102 transmits theimage data corresponding to the respective transmission requestsreceived (hereinafter referred to as “transmission request image data”)to the MFP 103. In the embodiment, it is assumed that the CPU 302transmits the transmission request for the image data of the first pageto the DFE 102, as an example. Moreover, the CPU 302 reserves theprimary buffer that stores the image data concerned in the RAM 304.Furthermore, the CPU 302 starts an abnormal reception detection processthat detects anomaly in the reception process of the image datatransmitted from the DFE 102 in parallel to the process in the stepS503. In the abnormal reception detection process, when the image datacorresponding to the transmission request is not received until apredetermined receivable time period elapses after the transmissionrequest concerned is transmitted, the CPU 302 determines that there isanomaly in the reception process of the image data corresponding to thetransmission request, for example. The receivable time period means aperiod during which the abnormal reception detection process isperformed, and is set to 60 seconds, for example. On the other hand,when the image data corresponding to the transmission request isreceived until the receivable time period elapses after the transmissionrequest concerned is transmitted, the CPU 302 determines that there isno anomaly in the reception process of the image data corresponding tothe transmission request. It should be noted that the anomaly in thereception process of the image data transmitted from the DFE 102 may bedetermined on the basis of whether the communication between the DFE 102and MFP 103 is cut in the embodiment.

Receiving the transmission request from the MFP 103, the CPU 201 prepareto transfer the transmission request image data. After that, when thetransfer of the transmission request image data is prepared, the CPU 201notifies the communication management module 405 of a transfer requestshowing that the transmission request image data can be transferred tothe MFP 103 using the RIP module 403 (step S504). Next, the CPU 201notifies the RIP module 403 that the transfer of the transmissionrequest image data is permitted (transfer permission) using thecommunication management module 405 (step S505). Next, when a notice oftransfer permission is given, the CPU 201 transfers the transmissionrequest image data to the MFP 103 using the RIP module 403 (step S506).Next, the CPU 201 notifies the communication management module 405 thatthe transmission request image data has been transferred using the RIPmodule 403 (step S507). Next, the CPU 201 transmits a transfercompletion notice showing that the transmission request image data hasbeen transferred to the MFP 103 using the communication managementmodule 405 (step S508).

When receiving the transfer completion notice from the DFE 102, the CPU302 finishes the abnormal reception detection process by the printprocessing module 410, and transmits a transfer completion confirmationnotice showing that the transfer completion notice has been received tothe DFE 102 (step S509).

When receiving the transfer completion confirmation notice from the MFP103, the CPU 201 notifies the RIP module 403 that the transfercompletion confirmation notice has been received using the communicationmanagement module 405 (step S510). The print system 100 performs thesame process as in the steps S503 through S510 for transmission requestimage data of second page and after. Accordingly, the MFP 103 transmitsthe transmission requests corresponding to the respective pages to theDFE 102. The DFE 102 transfers the transmission request image data tothe MFP 103 in response to the received transmission requests. When allthe transmission request image data have been transferred, the CPU 201and CPU 302 finish this process.

FIG. 6 is a sequential chart showing procedures of a transfer controlprocess executed by the print system 100 in FIG. 1.

The process in FIG. 6 is performed when the CPU 201 of the DFE 102 runsthe various programs stored in the ROM 202 and the CPU 302 of the MFP103 runs the various programs stored in the ROM 303.

In the abnormal reception detection process in FIG. 5, when anomaly isdetected in the reception process of the image data (i.e., when thetransmission request image data is not transmitted to the MFP 103 fromthe DFE 102), the MFP 103 enters an unprintable state. In this case, aconventional print system requires a user to reboot not only the MFP 103that entered the unprintable state but also the DFE 102 that transmitsthe image data. Since it is necessary to perform the reboot process forthe MFP 103 and the reboot process for the DFE 102 individually, theuser spends time and effort more than needed to cancel the unprintablestate.

Against this, the embodiment stops the print process that the MFP 103 isexecuting when anomaly is detected in the transfer process (a printrelated process related to the print process) of the transmissionrequest image data performed by the DFE 102. Moreover, the MFP 103shifts to a printable state for preparing a new print process that isdifferent from the print process that the MFP is executing, and the DFE102 is rebooted in response to the shift of the MFP to the printablestate.

As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 201 performs the process similar to thesteps S501 and S502 in FIG. 5, and the CPU 302 performs the processsimilar to the step S503 in FIG. 5. Next, when receiving thetransmission request from the MFP 103, the CPU 201 starts a transferrequest timer process for detecting anomaly in the transfer process ofthe transmission request image data (step S601). Specifically, the CPU201 determines whether the transfer request is given by the RIP module403 until a predetermined transfer request detection time period elapsesafter receiving the transmission request (i.e., whether the transferrequest notifying process times out). The transfer request detectiontime period is set so that the DFE 102 is able to detect anomaly in thetransfer process of the transmission request image data by the transferrequest timer process before the MFP 103 detects anomaly in thereception process of the transmission request image data by the abnormalreception detection process. In the embodiment, the transfer requestdetection time period is set to a time period (for example, 30 seconds)that is shorter than the receivable time period (for example, 60seconds) used in the abnormal reception detection process.

When the transfer request notifying process times out in the step S601,the CPU 201 determines that there is anomaly in the transfer process ofthe transmission request image data and that the transmission requestimage data cannot be transmitted to the MFP 103 within the receivabletime period. That is, the CPU 201 determines that the MFP 103 is in theunprintable state. After that, the CPU 201 transmits the state shiftrequest for shifting to the printable state for preparing a new printprocess that is different from the print process that the MFP 103 isexecuting to the MFP 103 in order to cancel the unprintable state (stepS602, a request transmission step).

When receiving the state shift request from the DFE 102, the CPU 302finishes the abnormal reception detection process. After that, the CPU302 performs a state shifting process on the basis of the received stateshift request (step S603, a state shift control unit). Specifically, theCPU 302 stops the reception process of the transmission request imagedata under execution and deletes the print setting information stored inthe primary buffer and RAM 304 for preparing to receive a newtransmission request image data. Accordingly, the MFP 103 shifts to theprintable state without a user's operation or instruction. Next, the CPU302 transmits a state shift completion notice showing that the shift tothe printable state is completed to the DFE 102 using the printprocessing module 410 (step S604, a completion notice transmittingstep).

When receiving the state shift completion notice from the MFP 103 (acompletion notice reception unit), the CPU 201 reboots the DFE 102 as aprocess for canceling the anomaly in the transfer process of thetransmission request image data (step S605, a reboot step), and finishesthis process.

The embodiment assumes that the anomaly is detected in the transferprocess of the transmission request image data on the basis of thetransfer request detection time period as an example. However, theanomaly may be detected in the transfer process of the transmissionrequest image data on the basis of a transfer completion time periodmentioned later.

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are flowcharts showing procedures of the rebootprocess executed by the DFE 102 in FIG. 1.

The process in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are performed when the CPU 106 runsthe various programs stored in the RAM 202.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the CPU 201 first determines whether the extractedprint setting information is obtained (step S701). When obtaining theprint setting information concerned (YES in the step S701, for example,the step S501 in FIG. 5), the CPU 201 transmits the print settinginformation to the MFP 103 (step S702, for example, the step S502 inFIG. 5). Next, when receiving a transmission request from the MFP 103(YES in step S703), the CPU 201 starts the transfer request timerprocess (the step S704, for example, the step S601 in FIG. 6), andperforms processes in steps S705 and S706 mentioned later. In the stepS705, the CPU 201 determines whether the notice of the transfer requestis given by the RIP module 403 (an anomaly detection step).

As a result of the determination in the step S705, when a transferrequest is not given by the RIP module 403, the CPU 201 determineswhether the transfer request notifying process times out (step S706, ananomaly detection step).

As a result of the determination in the step S706, when the transferrequest notifying process does not time out, the CPU 201 returns theprocess to the step S705. On the other hand, as a result of thedetermination in the step S706, when the transfer request notifyingprocess times out, the CPU 201 proceeds with the process to step S711shown in FIG. 7B.

As a result of the determination in the step S705, when the notice ofthe transfer request is given (for example, the step S504 in FIG. 5),the CPU 201 finishes the transfer request timer process. After that, theCPU 201 gives a notice of the transfer permission using thecommunication management module 405 (step S707, for example, the stepS505 in FIG. 5). Next, the CPU 201 starts the transfer completion timerprocess for detecting anomaly in the transfer process of thetransmission request image data (step S708), and performs processes insteps S709 and S710 mentioned later. In the step S709, the CPU 201determines whether the notice of transfer completion is given by the RIPmodule 403 (the anomaly detection step).

As a result of the determination in the step S709, when the notice ofthe transfer completion of the transmission request image data is notgiven, the CPU 201 determines whether the transfer completion notifyingprocess times out (step S710, the anomaly detection step). For example,when a predetermined transfer completion detection time period elapsedafter the notification of the transfer permission of the transmissionrequest image data, the CPU 201 determines that the above-mentionedtransfer completion notifying process times out. On the other hand, whenthe predetermined transfer completion detection time period does notelapse after the notification of the transfer permission of thetransmission request image data, the CPU 201 determines that theabove-mentioned transfer completion notifying process does not time out.The transfer completion detection time period is set so that the DFE 102is able to detect anomaly in the transfer process of the transmissionrequest image data by the transfer completion timer process before theMFP 103 detects anomaly in the reception process of the transmissionrequest image data by the abnormal reception detection process. In theembodiment, the transfer completion detection time period is set to atime period (for example, 30 seconds) that is shorter than thereceivable time period (for example, 60 seconds) used in the abnormalreception detection process.

As a result of the determination in the step S710, when theabove-mentioned transfer completion notifying process does not time out,the CPU 201 returns the process to the step S708. On the other hand, asa result of the determination in the step S710, when the above-mentionedtransfer completion notifying process times out, the CPU 201 proceedswith the process to the step S711 shown in FIG. 7B, and thecommunication management module 405 transmits the state shift request tothe MFP 103 (for example, the step S602 in FIG. 6). Next, when receivingthe state shift completion notice from the MFP 103 (YES in the stepS712), the CPU 201 reboots the DFE 102 (step S713, for example, the stepS605 in FIG. 6), and finishes this process.

As a result of the determination in the step S709, when the transfercompletion notice of the transmission request image data is given (forexample, the step S507 in FIG. 5), the CPU 201 finishes the transfercompletion timer process. After that, the CPU 201 transmits the transfercompletion notice to the MFP 103 using the communication managementmodule 405 (step S714, for example, the step S508 in FIG. 5). Next, whenreceiving the transfer completion confirmation notice from the MFP 103(YES in the step S715), the CPU 201 notifies the RIP module 403 that thetransfer completion confirmation notice is received by the communicationmanagement module 405 (step S716, for example, the step S510 in FIG. 5).After that, the CPU 201 determines whether the transfer processes forall the image data corresponding to the obtained print settinginformation are completed (step S717).

As a result of the determination in the step S717, when the transferprocess for any one of the image data corresponding to the obtainedprint setting information is not completed, the CPU 201 returns theprocess to the step S703. On the other hand, as a result of thedetermination in the step S717, when the transfer processes for all theimage data corresponding to the print setting information are completed,the CPU 201 finishes this process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing procedures of a state shifting processexecuted by the MFP 103 in FIG. 1.

The process in FIG. 8 is performed when the CPU 302 runs the variousprograms stored in the RAM 303.

As shown in FIG. 8, when receiving the print setting information fromthe DFE 102 (YES in the step S801), the CPU 302 first starts the printprocess including the reception process for the image data correspondingto the received print setting information. Next, the CPU 302 stores theprint setting information into the RAM 304 (step S802). Moreover, theCPU 302 reserves the primary buffer that stores the image datatransmitted from the DFE 102 in the RAM 304. Next, the CPU 302 transmitsthe transmission request of the transmission request image data to theDFE 102 (step S803, for example, the step S503 in FIG. 5), and startsthe abnormal reception detection process (step S804). Next, the CPU 302determines whether the transfer completion notice is received from theDFE 102 (step S805).

As a result of the determination in the step S805, when the transfercompletion notice is received from the DFE 102, the CPU 302 finishes theabnormal reception detection process (step S806). Next, the CPU 302transmits the transfer completion confirmation notice to the DFE 102(the step S807, for example, the step S509 in FIG. 5). After that, theCPU 302 determines whether all the image data corresponding to thereceived print setting information have been received (step S808).

As a result of the determination in the step S808, when any one of theimage data corresponding to the received print setting information isnot received, the CPU 302 returns the process to the step S803. On theother hand, as a result of the determination in the step S808, when allthe image data corresponding to the print setting information have beenreceived, the CPU 302 finishes this process.

As a result of the determination in the step S805, when the transfercompletion notice is not received from the DFE 102, the CPU 302determines whether the state shift request is received from the DFE 102(step S809).

As a result of the determination in the step S809, when the state shiftrequest is received from the DFE 102, the CPU 302 finishes the abnormalreception detection process (step S810). Next, the CPU 302 performs thestate shifting process (step S811, for example, the step S603 in FIG.6). Specifically, the CPU 302 deletes the print setting informationstored in the step S802, and frees the primary buffer in the RAM 304.Next, when the shift to the printable state is completed by the stateshifting process (YES in the step S812), the CPU 302 transmits the stateshift completion notice to the DFE 102 (step S813, for example, the stepS604 in FIG. 6), and will finish this process.

As a result of the determination in the step S809, when the state shiftrequest is not received from the DFE 102, the CPU 302 determines whetherthe reception process of the state shift request times out (step S814).When the receivable time period elapsed after transmitting thetransmission request in the step S814, the CPU 302 determines that thereception process of the state shift request times out. On the otherhand, when the receivable time period does not elapse after transmittingthe transmission request, the CPU 302 determines that the receptionprocess of the state shift request does not time out.

As a result of the determination in the step S814, when the receptionprocess of the state shift request does not time out, the CPU 201returns the process to the step S805. On the other hand, as a result ofthe determination in the step S814, when the reception process of thestate shift request times out, the CPU 302 displays an error screen 900shown in FIG. 9 on the operation panel (not shown) of the MFP 103 (stepS815). The error screen 900 includes a message showing that the printprocess cannot be performed because an error occurs in the MFP 103.After that, the CPU 302 finishes this process after performing theprocess in the step S815.

According to the processes in FIG. 6 through FIG. 8, when the anomaly isdetected in the transfer process of the transmission request image dataperformed by the DFE 102, the MFP 103 shifts to the printable state, andthe DFE 102 reboots in response to the shift of the MFP 103 to theprintable state. That is, the MFP 103 shifts to the printable statewithout a user's operation or instruction, and the DFE 102 reboots.Accordingly, the unprintable state can be canceled without troubling auser.

Moreover, in the above-mentioned processes in FIG. 6 through FIG. 8, theMFP 103 shifts to the printable state in response to the state shiftrequest transmitted to the MFP 103 from the DFE 102. Then, the DFE 102reboots in response to the state shift completion notice transmitted tothe DFE 102 from the MFP 103. This certainly enables to do away with auser's operation relating to the shift of the MFP 103 to the printablestate and the reboot of the DFE 102.

Although the present invention is described above using the embodiment,the present invention is not limited to the embodiment mentioned above.

For example, when the anomaly is detected in the transfer process of thetransmission request image data performed by the DFE 102, the CPU 201may perform a restoration process that restores the anomaly in thetransfer process of the transmission request image data.

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are sequential charts showing procedures of afirst modification of the transfer control process in FIG. 6. FIG. 10Ashows a case where the restoration process succeeded, and FIG. 10B showsa case where the restoration process failed.

The processes in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are performed when the CPU 201 ofthe DFE 102 runs the various programs stored in the ROM 202 and the CPU302 of the MFP 103 runs the various programs stored in the ROM 303. Theprocesses in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are premised on the case where atransfer request notifying process times out, as an example.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the CPU 201 performs the process similar to thesteps S501 in FIG. 6, and the CPU 302 performs the process similar tothe steps S502 and S503 in FIG. 6. Next, the CPU 201 performs theprocess similar to the step S601 in FIG. 6.

In the step S601, when the transfer request notifying process times out,the CPU 201 detects the anomaly in the transfer process of thetransmission request image data. After that, the CPU 201 transmits astop request that instructs the MFP 103 to stop the abnormal receptiondetection process by the communication management module 405 (stepS1001).

When the stop request is received from the DFE 102, the CPU 302 makesthe MFP 103 be on standby by suspending the abnormal reception detectionprocess by the print processing module 410 in response to the stoprequest concerned. In the case, the MFP 103 does not shift to theunprintable state.

The CPU 201 notifies the RIP module 403 of a restoration request thatinstructs execution of the restoration process for the anomaly in thetransfer process of the transmission request image data using thecommunication management module 405 (step S1002), after performing theprocess in the step S1001. Next, the CPU 201 performs the restorationprocess using the RIP module 403 (a restoration step). A success orfailure of the restoration process is determined on the basis of whetherthe restoration process is completed within a predetermined restorabletime period that is set so as not to disturb the executions of thevarious processes performed by the DFE 102. For example, when therestoration process is completed before the restorable time periodelapses after the notice of the restoration request is given, the CPU201 determines that the restoration process succeeded. On the otherhand, when the restoration process is not completed before therestorable time period elapses after the notice of the restorationrequest is given, the CPU 201 determines that the restoration processfailed.

When the restoration process succeeded, the CPU 201 notifies thecommunication management module 405 that the restoration processsucceeded using the RIP module 403 (step S1003). Next, since the anomalyin the transfer process of the transmission request image data iscanceled, the CPU 201 transmits a resumption request that requiresresumption of the abnormal reception detection process to the MFP 103using the communication management module 405 (step S1004). Whenreceiving the resumption request from the DFE 102, the CPU 302 releasesstandby of the MFP 103 and resumes the abnormal reception detectionprocess. Next, the CPU 201 and CPU 302 perform the processes followingthe step S504 in FIG. 5, and finish this process.

When the restoration process failed, the CPU 201 notifies that therestoration process failed (step S1005) as shown in FIG. 10B. Next, theCPU 302 and CPU 201 perform the processes following the step S601 inFIG. 6. That is, the embodiment is able to cancel the unprintable statebecause the MFP 103 shifts to the printable state and the DFE 102reboots even if the restoration process fails. After that, the CPU 201finishes this process after performing the process similar to the stepS605 in FIG. 6.

The embodiment assumes that the anomaly is detected in the transferprocess of the transmission request image data on the basis of thetimeout of the transfer request notifying process as an example.However, the anomaly may be detected in the transfer process of thetransmission request image data on the basis of timeout of the transfercompletion notifying process. Details will be described later withreference to FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, and FIG. 11C.

FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, and FIG. 11C are flowcharts showing procedures of afirst modification of the reboot process in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B.

The processes in FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, and FIG. 11C are performed when theCPU 201 runs the various programs stored in the RAM 202.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the CPU 201 performs the process similar to thesteps S701 through S706 first.

As a result of the determination in the step S706, when the transferrequest notifying process does not time out, the CPU 201 returns theprocess to the step S705. On the other hand, as a result of thedetermination in the step S706, when the transfer request notifyingprocess times out, the CPU 201 proceeds with the process to step S1101in FIG. 11B, and transmits the stop request to the MFP 103 using thecommunication management module 405 (for example, the step S1001 in FIG.10A). Next, the CPU 201 notifies the RIP module 403 of the restorationrequest by the communication management module 405 (step S1102, forexample, the step S1002 in FIG. 10A), and starts the restorationprocess. After that, the CPU 201 determines whether the success of therestoration process is reported by the RIP module 403 (step S1103).

As a result of the determination in the step S1103, when the failure ofthe restoration process is reported (for example, the step S1005 in FIG.10B), the CPU 201 performs the processes following the step S711 in FIG.7B. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in the stepS1103, when the success of the restoration process is reported (forexample, the step S1003 in FIG. 10A), the CPU 201 transmits theresumption request of the abnormal reception detection process to theMFP 103 (step S1104, for example, the step S1004 in FIG. 10A), andreturns the process to the step S704.

As a result of the determination in the step S705, when the transferrequest of the image data is given by the RIP module 403, the CPU 201performs the processes similar to the steps S707 through S710 in FIG.7A.

As a result of the determination in the step S710, when the transfercompletion notifying process does not time out, the CPU 201 returns theprocess to the step S708. On the other hand, as a result of thedetermination in the step S710, when the transfer completion notifyingprocess times out, the CPU 201 proceeds with the process to step S1101in FIG. 11C, and performs the processes similar to the steps S1101through S1103.

As a result of the determination in the S1103, when the failure of therestoration process is reported, the CPU 201 performs the processesfollowing the step S711 in FIG. 7B. On the other hand, as a result ofthe determination in the step S1103, when the success of the restorationprocess is reported, the CPU 201 performs the process similar to thestep S1104, and returns the process to the step S708.

As a result of the determination in the step S709, when the transfercompletion notice of the transmission request image data is given, theCPU 201 performs the process following the step S714, and finishes thisprocess.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing procedures of a modification of the stateshifting process in FIG. 8.

The process in FIG. 12 is performed when the CPU 302 runs the variousprograms stored in the RAM 303.

As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 302 performs the process similar to thesteps S801 through S809 in FIG. 8 first.

As a result of the determination in the step S809, when the state shiftrequest is received from the DFE 102, the CPU 302 performs the processsimilar to the steps S810 through S813 in FIG. 8, and finishes thisprocess. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in the stepS809, when the state shift request is not received from the DFE 102, theCPU 302 determines whether the stop request is received from the DFE 102(step S1201).

As a result of the determination in the step S1201, when the stoprequest is received from the DFE 102, the CPU 302 makes the MFP 103 beon standby by suspending the abnormal reception detection process (stepS1202). Next, the CPU 302 determines whether the resumption request isreceived (step S1203).

As a result of the determination in the step S1203, when the resumptionrequest is received, the CPU 302 returns the process to the step S804.On the other hand, as a result of the determination in the step S1203,when the resumption request is not received, the CPU 302 performs theprocess following the step S811 in FIG. 8, and finishes this process.

As a result of the determination in the step S1201, when the stoprequest is not received from the DFE 102, the CPU 302 performs theprocess following the step S814 in FIG. 8, and finishes this process.

In the above-mentioned processes in FIG. 10A through FIG. 12, when theDFE 102 starts the restoration process of the anomaly in the transferprocess of the transmission request image data, the MFP 103 is onstandby without shifting to the unprintable state. And when therestoration process is completed within the restorable time period, thestandby of the MFP 103 is released. That is, even if anomaly is detectedin the transfer process of the transmission request image data, the MFP103 is on standby during the period less than the restorable timeperiod, and the MFP 103 does not shift to the unprintable state thatrequires reboot of the MFP 103. Accordingly, the frequency of a casethat requires the reboot of the MFP 103 decreases, which reduces user'stime and effort more.

The embodiment may determine whether the MFP 103 should shift to theprintable state on the basis of the number of times of detecting anomalyin the transfer process of the transmission request image data.

FIG. 13 is a sequential chart showing procedures of a secondmodification of the transfer control process in FIG. 6.

The process in FIG. 13 is performed when the CPU 201 of the DFE 102 runsthe various programs stored in the ROM 202 and the CPU 302 of the MFP103 runs the various programs stored in the ROM 303.

As shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 201 and CPU 302 first perform the stepsS501, S502, S503, S601, S1001, S1002, S1003, and S1004 in FIG. 10A.Next, the CPU 201 starts the transfer request timer process (step S601)after transmitting a start request of the abnormal reception detectionprocess to the MFP 103.

When the transfer request notifying process times out in the step S601,the CPU 201 counts the number of times that the transfer requestnotifying process times out (step S1301, a counting step). After that,the CPU 201 determines whether the number of times concerned is equal toor more than a predetermined number. For example, when the number oftimes that the transfer request notifying process times out is equal toor more than the predetermined number, the CPU 201 determines thatrestoration of the anomaly in the transfer process of the transmissionrequest image data is difficult. After that, the CPU 201 performs theprocess following the step S601 in FIG. 6.

That is, when the number of times that the transfer request notifyingprocess times out is equal to or more than the predetermined number, theMFP 103 shifts to the printable state and the DFE 102 reboots in theembodiment,

The embodiment assumes that the anomaly is detected in the transferprocess of the transmission request image data on the basis of thetimeout of the transfer request notifying process as an example.However, the anomaly may be detected in the transfer process of thetransmission request image data on the basis of timeout of the transfercompletion notifying process. Details will be described later withreference to FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, and FIG. 14C.

FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, and FIG. 14C are flowcharts showing procedures of asecond modification of the reboot process in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B.

The processes in FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, and FIG. 14C are performed when theCPU 201 runs the various programs stored in the RAM 202.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the CPU 201 performs the process similar to thesteps S701 through S703 in FIG. 7A first. Next, the CPU 201 initializesa count value that shows the number of times that the transfer requestnotifying process times out (hereinafter referred to as a “transferrequest timeout count”, simply) to zero (step S1401). Next, the CPU 201performs the process similar to the steps S705 and S706 in FIG. 7A.

As a result of the determination in the step S706, when the transferrequest notifying process does not time out, the CPU 201 returns theprocess to the step S705. On the other hand, as a result of thedetermination in the S706, when the transfer request notifying processtimes out, the CPU 201 proceeds with the process to step S1402 in FIG.14B, counts the number of times that the transfer request notifyingprocess times out (for example, the step S1301 in FIG. 13), and adds oneto the transfer request timeout count. Next, the CPU 201 determineswhether the transfer request timeout count is equal to or more than thepredetermined number (step S1403).

As a result of the determination in the step S1403, when the transferrequest timeout count is equal to or more than the predetermined number,the CPU 201 performs the process following the step S711 in FIG. 7B. Onthe other hand, as a result of the determination in the step S1403, whenthe transfer request timeout count is less than the predeterminednumber, the CPU 201 performs the process similar to the steps S1101through S1104 in FIG. 11B, and returns the process to the step S1401.

As a result of the determination in the step S705, when the notice ofthe transfer request is given by the RIP module 403, the CPU 201performs the process similar to the step S707 in FIG. 11A. Next, the CPU201 initializes a count value that shows the number of times that thetransfer completion notifying process times out (hereinafter referred toas a “transfer completion timeout count”, simply) to zero (step S1404).Next, the CPU 201 performs the process similar to the steps S709 andS710 in FIG. 7A.

As a result of the determination in the step S710, when the transfercompletion notifying process does not time out, the CPU 201 returns theprocess to the step S709. On the other hand, as a result of thedetermination in the S710, when the transfer completion notifyingprocess times out, the CPU 201 proceeds with the process to step S1405in FIG. 14C, counts the number of times that the transfer completionnotifying process times out (the counting step), and adds one to thetransfer completion timeout count. In the embodiment, the transferrequest timeout count and the transfer completion timeout count areequivalent to the number of times of detecting anomaly in the transferprocess of the transmission request image data. Next, the CPU 201determines whether the transfer completion timeout count is equal to ormore than the predetermined number (step S1406).

As a result of the determination in the step S1406, when the transfercompletion timeout count is equal to or more than the predeterminednumber, the CPU 201 performs the process following the step S711 in FIG.7B. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in the stepS1406, when the transfer completion timeout count is less than thepredetermined number, the CPU 201 performs the process similar to thesteps S1101 through S1104 in FIG. 11B, and returns the process to thestep S1404.

As a result of the determination in the step S709, when the transfercompletion notice of the transmission request image data is given, theCPU 201 performs the process following the step S714, and finishes thisprocess.

In the above-mentioned processes in FIG. 13, FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, andFIG. 14C, when the transfer completion timeout count is equal to or morethan the predetermined number, the MFP 103 shifts to the printablestate. When the transfer completion timeout count is equal to or morethan the predetermined number, it is considered that the restoration ofthe anomaly in the transfer process of the transmission request imagedata is difficult. Accordingly, it is preferable that the print processunder execution by the MFP 103 is stopped to prepare a new print processother than the previous print process from a point of view of theefficiency improvement of the print process. Against this, since the MFP103 shifts to the printable state when the transfer completion timeoutcount reaches the predetermined number in the processes in FIG. 13, FIG.14A, FIG. 14B, and FIG. 14C, the efficiency of the print process isimproved.

Other Embodiments

Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by acomputer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computerexecutable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on astorage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/orthat includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or moreof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by thecomputer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out andexecuting the computer executable instructions from the storage mediumto perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). Thecomputer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processingunit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network ofseparate computers or separate processors to read out and execute thecomputer executable instructions. The computer executable instructionsmay be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or thestorage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or moreof a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM),a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2015-166813, filed Aug. 26, 2015, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A print control method by which an image formingapparatus performs a print process according to print data transmittedfrom an information processing apparatus, the print control methodcomprising: an anomaly detection step of detecting anomaly in a printrelated process, which is relevant to the print process, under executionby the information processing apparatus; a state shifting step ofstopping the print process under execution by the image formingapparatus, and of making the image forming apparatus shift to aprintable state for preparing a new print process that is different fromthe print process that the image forming apparatus is executing whenanomaly is detected in the print related process; and a reboot step ofrebooting the information processing apparatus in response to the shiftof the image forming apparatus to the printable state.
 2. The printcontrol method according to claim 1, further comprising a requesttransmission step in which the information processing apparatustransmits a state shift request, which instructs to shift to theprintable state, to the image forming apparatus, wherein the imageforming apparatus shifts to the printable state in response to the stateshift request in said state shifting step.
 3. The print control methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising a completion noticetransmitting step in which the image forming apparatus transmits a stateshift completion notice, which shows that shift to the printable stateis completed, to the information processing apparatus, wherein theinformation processing apparatus is rebooted in said reboot step inresponse to the state shift completion notice.
 4. The print controlmethod according to claim 1, further comprising a restoration step ofexecuting a restoration process for anomaly in the print related processwhen anomaly is detected in the print related process concerned, whereinthe image forming apparatus is on standby by suspending the printprocess under execution by the image forming apparatus in said stateshifting step when the restoration process is started, and the printprocess is resumed by releasing the standby of the image formingapparatus in said state shifting step when the restoration process iscompleted within a predetermined time period.
 5. The print controlmethod according to claim 4, further comprising a counting step ofcounting the number of times of detecting anomaly in the print relatedprocess, wherein the image forming apparatus shifts to the printablestate in said state shifting step when the number of times detectedreaches a predetermined number.
 6. A non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium storing a control program causing a computer to execute aprint control method by which an image forming apparatus performs aprint process according to print data transmitted from an informationprocessing apparatus, the print control method comprising: an anomalydetection step of detecting anomaly in a print related process, which isrelevant to the print process, under execution by the informationprocessing apparatus; a state shifting step of stopping the printprocess under execution by the image forming apparatus, and of makingthe image forming apparatus shift to a printable state for preparing anew print process that is different from the print process that theimage forming apparatus is executing when anomaly is detected in theprint related process; and a reboot step of rebooting the informationprocessing apparatus in response to the shift of the image formingapparatus to the printable state.
 7. An information processing apparatuscomprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit print data usedin a print process to an image forming apparatus by executing a printrelated process that is relevant to the print process, and to make theimage forming apparatus execute the print process according to the printdata; an anomaly detection unit configured to detect anomaly in theprint related process; a state shift control unit configured to stop theprint process under execution by the image forming apparatus, and tomake the image forming apparatus shift to a printable state forpreparing a new print process that is different from the print processthat the image forming apparatus is executing when anomaly is detectedin the print related process; and a reboot unit configured to reboot inresponse to the shift of the image forming apparatus to the printablestate.
 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,further comprising a request transmission unit configured to transmit astate shift request, which instructs to shift to the printable state, tothe image forming apparatus, wherein said state shift control unit makesthe image forming apparatus shift to the printable state in response tothe state shift request.
 9. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 7, further comprising a completion notice receptionunit configured to receive a state shift completion notice, which showscompletion of the shift to the printable state, from the image formingapparatus, wherein said reboot unit reboots in response to the stateshift completion notice.
 10. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 7, further comprising a restoration unit configuredto execute a restoration process for anomaly in the print relatedprocess when anomaly is detected in the print related process concerned,wherein said state shift control unit makes the image forming apparatusbe on standby by suspending the print process under execution by theimage forming apparatus when the restoration process is started, andwherein said state shift control unit resumes the suspended printprocess by releasing the standby of the image forming apparatus when therestoration process is completed within a predetermined time period. 11.The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, furthercomprising a counting unit configured to count the number of times ofdetecting anomaly in the print related process, wherein said state shiftcontrol unit makes the image forming apparatus shift to the printablestate when the number of times detected reaches a predetermined number,and wherein said reboot unit reboots in response to the shift of theimage forming apparatus to the printable state.